He is said to have told Perez not to let Lopez join their Spanish rivals.

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Maxime Lopez is under contract with Marseille until 2021

Perez has now reportedly listened to Zidane’s request and instructed his staff to keep track of him.

Despite Barca being keen to bring him to the Nou Camp, the France Under-20 international could favour a move to the Spanish capital with the opportunity to work under fellow countryman Zidane appealing.

Marseille won’t let Perez go on the cheap though with the midfielder signing a new long-term deal only last month that tied him down until 2021.